by Barbara Joye | Jan 31, 2012 | JANUARY 2012 JOURNEY TO AFRICA
The Unity word for the day, “Fresh Start” so defined what would unfold this day, as well as give us a new perspective on our communication challenges. An early morning meeting brought together Barbara, Chris, Alphonse, Florentina, Rev Sandy and Justin Anderson, the Magi Tech Drilling Company General Manager. Justin, a Navy veteran of Iraq, brings expertise, life-skills and compassion to the team, as well as sharing our vision of belief in a strong community involvement and ownership from the residents of Uru. Final plans were laid for Phase One with water filling the first reservoir within the week. Mid-way through the meeting, at 11am we received word that our climbers, had made it to the top of the world!!!!! We are so very proud of their commitment, the time they gifted to being prepared for a 19,500 ft climb and as one porter shared with us “what you need to make the climb is willingness” and Lee Ann and Annie have inspired us all. And of course we celebrate the support from families, friends and sponsors because we know it takes us all! The synchronistic timing of the phone call tied to the finalization of first water, filled our hearts as we struggled to hold back our tears–an amazing moment for our Fresh Start...
by Barbara Joye | Jan 30, 2012 | JANUARY 2012 JOURNEY TO AFRICA
One week in and our report from the guides is that “our climbers are well-trained and perfect in reaching their goal”. They begin their final torch-carrying ascent tonight at midnight in order to summit at sunrise tomorrow. We look forward to their return and story-telling. Sewing Day with the Acorn Women’s group on Saturday. Our group of 15 women and one young man gathered in the morning to join in sharing their dreams, goals and visions. The sewing machines and supplies that traveled half-way around the world were received with delight and exuberance. Items they have made in the past 3 months made it appear they have been sewing day and night, which demonstrates their passion and commitment. Climbing the red clay hill, with all supplies being carried to another home with electricity for sewing lessons; their anticipation carried us all up the steep hill–although they seem to need no help, while we carry nothing. When weary, they would take our hands and sing us up the hill. Their joy and incredible skill in picking up how to use the machines when language is a barrier, was awe inspiring. While Chris and Sandy could not learn how to use the buttonholer, we realized they did not know what a button hole is. We all laughed. A visit to the Borehole and viewing the power supply building with the electric wires attached, brought tears to our eyes–this an important step of progress. We saw the trench that over 3,000 people shared in digging. At the other end, where the receiving reservoir sits, we realize the magnitude of this one mile...
by Barbara Joye | Jan 28, 2012 | JANUARY 2012 JOURNEY TO AFRICA
A journey up a steep, winding, red dirt road in a vehicle barely traveling 20 mi @ hour leads up past homes; some shack-looking, some palatial in comparison. The first sign we were nearing our destination; the Ngowi’s was a young African boy spotting us and sprinting ahead of the car–finally out of site. He ran forward to alert our hosts we were about to arrive. And what an arrival; the Acorn Women’s group; over a dozen, all dressed in beautiful uniforms were so exuberant in their welcome. Dancing, singing, gifting us with flowers how could we not be overcome with emotion. Even small children and babies were part of the welcoming throng. Our first day here we met the Acorn Women’s group, viewed their incredibly beautiful products and were given demonstrations of how some of the jewelry is being made. A feast, that gets prepared a pot at a time not only fills our tummies, but brings to us flavors and healthy, organically grown vegetables and fruits–and the love from the hearts and hands of those who have prepared and served it. Our internet issues continue and while only briefly getting online for our first blog, we connect at Alphonse’ on the top of a mountain. We toured the Women’s Acorn House, in the midst of remodeling and stopped to see some of the women’s homes on the climb to the Acorn House. They proudly showed off their homes, as smiling faces of all sizes, peak out to view their visitors from another world. Difficult communications also challenge our ability to connect with our Mt Kilimanjaro climbers. With...
by Barbara Joye | Jan 26, 2012 | JANUARY 2012 JOURNEY TO AFRICA
After four days, we have finally been able to access the internet! The flights were smooth, the weather is beautifully warm and sunny and we are all so happy to be on Tanzanian soil. Our hearts are filled with happiness and love to see our friends again. This morning we gave our courageous climbers a prayerful send-off as Annie and Lee Ann excitedly began their journey. The mountain was clear and visible and ready for them! Alphonse Ngowi,our project manager came for a long visit to help plan our week of activities. Tomorrow, Sandy, Barbara and I will go to Uru to stay at village homes. We are looking forward to seeing Eva and the other Acorn Cooperative Women’s group members to begin a few days of mission work and joyful reconnections. Some of you may be waiting for personal emails, however acces to the blog is all we have right...
by Barbara Joye | Jan 22, 2012 | JANUARY 2012 JOURNEY TO AFRICA
In less than 24 hours, our 2012 travel group will board planes in Minneapolis and in Chicago, to connect up in Amsterdam. From there we will wing our way to Tanzania, traveling a total of 23 hours before reaching African soil. For some this is a ‘first time’ to Africa and a response to the heart’s calling, for adventure and a sense of greater purpose. For others of us it is a repeat experience that allows a deepening into our own souls, as we work in service within our global community. In these last moments, we find ourselves dealing with a flurry of practical ‘to do’s’ in preparation for our work with Acorn Women’s Cooperative or for climbing 19,500′ up Mt. Kilimanjaro, to raise awareness and funds for our water project. We are spending some last precious moments with children and families. We are packing and repacking and weighing the luggage. And we are checking the weather, hoping that the snow and ice will not delay our flights! Most of all, we are giving thanks… for all the friends and family who have made our progress possible… with their love, prayers, volunteer efforts, fund raising events and donations. Our 2012 team (Barbara Joye, Chris Moses, Sandy McKinney, Lee Ann Richards & Angela Dampier) are about to fly off to Africa with hearts full of love and hope and gratitude…. made possible by our wonderful ‘family of humanity’. Thank you to all. AFRICA… HERE WE...
